NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Two Armed Carjackings

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Defendant Admitted to Four Additional Carjackings; He and Accomplices Lured Victims Through Dating Apps

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Isiah Surzano-Glover, 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 168 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karen S. Marston for two gunpoint carjackings.

    In March 2024, the defendant was charged by indictment, and he pleaded guilty in November to two counts of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

    As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on January 2, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., he and accomplices lured victim P.M. to the 5400 block of Walker Street in Philadelphia by posing as a female named “Mercedes” on a dating app. When P.M. arrived, Surzano-Glover and the others, all masked, approached the victim, brandished guns, and threatened to shoot P.M. if he moved. The carjackers took P.M.’s keys, wallet, and phone, and drove away in his 2011 Ford Crown Victoria.

    On January 3, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the defendant and several others, again using an app and the “Mercedes” ruse, lured R.E. to the 1700 block of Brill Street in Philadelphia. Upon R.E.’s arrival, the masked carjackers pointed handguns at him, pistol-whipped R.E. in the head with a gun, and took his keys and phone. They ordered him to run, then drove away in his 2006 Toyota Tacoma.

    Approximately 30 minutes after R.E. was carjacked, Philadelphia police officers located R.E.’s Tacoma parked unattended at 5000 Valley Street, approximately half a mile from the scene of the crime. Other officers then observed what proved to be P.M.’s Crown Victoria, parked in an alley near the intersection of Pratt and Hawthorne streets, about a quarter of a mile from 5000 Valley Street, and placed the car under surveillance.

    Around 10:15 p.m., P.M.’s Crown Victoria drove off and officers followed. The vehicle made its way to 5000 Valley Street, where a police car was alongside R.E.’s Tacoma, and then sped off, initiating a police pursuit. Multiple individuals eventually bailed from P.M.’s vehicle at the intersection of Worth Street and Margaret Street, and the defendant was arrested, following a foot pursuit.

    In addition to the above crimes with which he was charged, Surzano-Glover admitted to participating in four other Philadelphia carjackings.

    The case was investigated by the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Miller and Kwambina Coker.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Stresses Urgent Need to Modernize Our Air Traffic Control Systems at Summit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 15, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee—today underscored both the long-term and immediate actions the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must take to improve and modernize our air traffic control systems in order to safeguard our aviation system and the flying public. At today’s Air Traffic Control Modernization Summit hosted by aviation industry stakeholders, Duckworth also emphasized her grave concerns over the Trump Administration firing hundreds of FAA employees and appointing a new FAA Administrator with an established track record of opposing the 1,500-hour pilot training standard, which is critical to ensuring our nation’s pilots are experienced and prepared for any scenario. Photos of the event can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    “The deadly DCA crash, spike in near misses and air traffic control equipment outages our nation has seen are terrifying, but they are not surprising,” said Duckworth. “I’ve been sounding the alarm about close calls and aging equipment for years because the urgent need to overhaul our air traffic control systems, which will take years, has been so clear for so long. But in addition to that long-term overhaul, FAA needs to ensure our current system remains safe—not fire hundreds of staff or reduce our nation’s pilot training gold standard.”

    For years, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm that we must make these critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Last Congress, Duckworth chaired two CST Aviation Subcommittee hearings—one last December and the other a year prior—to address our aviation industry’s chilling surge in near-deadly close calls and underscore the urgent need to improve air traffic control systems to protect the flying public.

    Last week, Duckworth voted against the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as FAA Administrator after he refused to commit to upholding the 1,500-hour rule when she pressed him on the issue during his nomination hearing. Duckworth criticized Bedford for leaving the door open for him to unilaterally attempt to weaken this standard and produce less-prepared pilots despite the serious challenges our nation is facing with regard to aviation safety.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maxwell Frost Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Public Transit and Lower Bus Procurement Costs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    July 16, 2025

    Frost’s Transit Bus Affordability Act Would Empower the Federal Government to Help Cities Purchase Buses More Efficiently and Expand Local Transit Access

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH) introduced the Transit Bus Affordability Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at helping local transit agencies and bus manufacturers find ways to reduce the cost of new buses in order to meet the growing demand for bus ridership.

    The legislation comes at a pivotal moment: in 2024, Americans took 7.7 billion public transportation trips – nearly half a billion more than the previous year – marking a 25% increase in ridership since 2022. To meet this rising demand and better serve existing riders, communities need more buses. But steep and rising prices are making that difficult. Today, a single transit bus can cost upwards of $1 million, with average prices hovering around $800,000.

    Despite the severity of the issue, there has been little federal-level analysis or strategy to reduce transit bus procurement costs. The Transit Bus Affordability Act would change that as the bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review and analyze the current drivers of transit bus costs and recommend actionable strategies to reduce them.

    “Public transit is a lifeline for folks who depend on these services to get to work, school, doctor appointments, and more,” said Rep. Frost. “But the rising cost for a city or town to purchase a single bus is holding back local transit agencies from meeting demand and expanding service. This bill is a first step toward understanding the root of the problem and driving down costs so that communities can invest in more reliable, affordable transit options.”

    “As the former Mayor of Dayton, I understand the burden procurement costs place on local transit agencies, which subsequently impact the availability and reliability for riders,” said Congressman Turner. “That is why I am proud to work with Rep. Frost on the Transit Bus Affordability Act. Our bipartisan legislation will help inform lawmakers on the federal, state and local levels on options to lower bus costs – which will ultimately lead to savings-generating strategies for transit agencies providing essential services to riders in communities like Dayton and those across the country.”

    The bill is endorsed by The Bus Coalition, GILLIG, and ABC Companies.

    “At ABC Companies, our commitment to advancing safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation spans the full spectrum of passenger mobility, from public transit to private motorcoach fleets. We proudly endorse the Transit Bus Affordability Act and commend Representatives Frost and Turner for their bold, bipartisan leadership. With more than five decades of experience serving operators across North America, we understand the cost pressures and operational challenges transportation providers face every day. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) study presents an important opportunity to explore practical and scalable solutions that can help make modern transportation more accessible and cost-effective for the communities that depend on it,” said Jay Oakman, Chief Operating Officer, ABC Companies.

    “Simply put, transit buses are too expensive, and it takes too long for new buses to hit the road. The Transit Bus Affordability Act is an essential tool to help us better understand how to stretch federal dollars further, streamline the procurement process, and incentivize competition in the bus manufacturing marketplace. The Bus Coalition applauds Representatives Frost and Turner for introducing a commonsense bill to objectively examine the bus market and identify the impediments to a more efficient and cost-effective procurement system. We need this legislation to foster a healthy marketplace—and ultimately to make transit more affordable and accessible for riders across the country,” said Ed Redfern, Executive Director, The Bus Coalition.

    The Transit Bus Affordability Act instructs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the factors responsible for the current costs of transit bus manufacturing and procurement in order to recommend ways to mitigate those costs. The review must look at several factors including:

    • Cost drivers in design and procurement; 
    • How transit bus costs and prices in the United States compare with those in other countries;
    • How transit bus costs compare with the manufacturing of other large vehicles; and
    • Steps taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the states, transit agencies, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to reduce costs and accelerate delivery times.

    As this work is already within GAO’s mandate, this legislation has no budgetary impact while offering a path toward cost savings, economic growth, and more effective use of local, state, and federal taxpayer dollars.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ramirez Blasts Outrageous Probe, Subpoenas Border Czar Homan, Governor DeSantis, Secretary Rubio for their Unlawful Anti-Immigrant Campaign

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Washington, IL — Today, during a House Homeland Security Committee Hearing,  Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) blasted Republicans’ reckless and ill-intentioned probe into non-profit service organizations, which persecute organizations that have provided duly authorized, law-abiding services in an effort to intimidate organizations and suppress dissent. 

    While Republicans seek to drag nonprofit organizations for their lawful work, Ramirez and her colleagues demanded that Administration officials come to the committee and account for their complicity in unlawful activities, including:

    • enabling racial profiling by ICE, 
    • misusing federal funding for the construction of a mega prison, 
    • and back-door deals with third-party countries for deportations. 

    To that end, Congresswoman Ramirez moved to subpoena Border Czar Thomas Douglas Homan, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Department of State Secretary Marco Rubio.

    “Today, Republicans will lie and gaslight us to help their fascist boss suppress dissent. Who drags the reputations of essential non-profits in our communities? I’ll tell you who – authoritarians, bullies, weak wanna be kings who are scared of civil society,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Today’s hearing is unserious, especially since the illegal and unlawful activities are actually being perpetrated by the people in the White House, Cabinet, and Republican leadership. Enough is enough. We demand that Border Czar Homan, Governor DeSantis, and Secretary Rubio come and testify before this committee.”

    Watch her full remarks here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 3382, Small Entity Update Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 3382 would require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study its current definition of “small entity” under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) and revise its rules based on the results of the study. Under current law, agencies subject to the RFA need to determine if their rules have a significant economic effect on small entities, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental jurisdictions. If so, agencies must consider alternatives that minimize that effect.

    Using information about the cost of similar provisions, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $2 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects that the SEC would need about five employees, at an average annual cost of $330,000 for each employee, to carry out the study and amend the rules. Because the SEC is authorized to collect fees each year to offset its annual appropriation, CBO expects that the net effect on discretionary spending over the 2025-2030 period would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority.

    If the SEC increases fees to offset the costs associated with implementing the bill, H.R. 3382 would increase the cost of an existing mandate on private entities required to pay those assessments. CBO estimates that the incremental cost of the mandate would be small and would fall well below the threshold established in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    H.R. 3382 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Aurora Swanson (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain Sign Documentary Credit Insurance Policy to Boost Shariah-Compliant Trade

    Source: APO

    The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain signed a Documentary Credit Insurance Policy (DCIP). The policy aims to strengthen support for Shariah-compliant trade finance, enabling greater security and confidence in the international trade ecosystem.

    The agreement was signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, and Dr. Adel Salem, Chief Executive Officer of Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain, in a joint effort to enhance the capacity of Islamic financial institutions to manage trade-related risks more effectively.

    Under this partnership, ICIEC will provide insurance coverage for the confirmation of Letters of Credit (LCs) issued by Al Baraka Islamic Bank in connection with the import and export of eligible Shariah-compliant goods and services. This solution will help mitigate payment risks associated with cross-border trade while promoting sustainable growth in ICIEC’s member states.

    Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, stated: “This strategic collaboration with Al Baraka Islamic Bank reflects ICIEC’s unwavering commitment to advancing intra-OIC trade and investment. By supporting Shariah-compliant trade finance through our Documentary Credit Insurance Policy, we are facilitating secure trade flows while empowering Islamic banks to broaden their offerings to clients. This partnership demonstrates the power of multilateral cooperation in achieving shared development goals.”

    For his part, Dr. Adel Salem, CEO of Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC Bahrain, stated: “We are delighted to partner with ICIEC on this pioneering Credit Insurance Policy, which empowers us to extend Shariah‑compliant trade finance to our clients, bolster Bahrain’s role as a regional hub for Islamic banking, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across member states worldwide. This collaboration underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and robust risk management, giving the businesses we serve greater confidence to expand in global markets.”

    The DCIP serves as a vital tool for Islamic banks, enhancing their ability to expand trade finance operations with reduced exposure to commercial and political risks. The policy also complements ICIEC’s broader mandate to promote economic resilience, financial inclusion, and private sector development in member countries.

    Both institutions reaffirmed their shared dedication to expanding the reach of Islamic finance, strengthening risk mitigation tools, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic development.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

    Media Contacts:
    ICIEC
    Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

    Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC
    Email: marketing@albaraka.bh

    Follow ICIEC on: 
    X: https://apo-opa.co/44Qre2B
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Iv2bL3
    LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/44JYv0J
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4eRJkG9
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44LpCak

    About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
    As a member of ‘AAA’ rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front in delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC “AA-“ long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the second year with Stable Outlook.  ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors – energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

    Website: https://ICIEC.IsDB.org

    About Al Baraka Islamic Bank BSC:
    Al Baraka Islamic Bank (AIB) is one of leading financial institutions in the Islamic banking sector within Bahrain. Throughout its history of more than four decades (since its establishment in 1984), the Bank has played a prominent role in building the infrastructure of the Islamic finance industry. The Bank also played a significant role in promoting the Islamic finance industry and publicizing its merits.

    AIB offers innovative financial products, including investments, international trading, management of short-term liquidity and consumer financing, all of which are all based on Islamic financing modes. Such financing includes Murabaha, Wakala, Istisna, Musharaka, Mudarabah, Salam, and Ijara Muntahia Bittamleek.

    Website: https://www.AlBaraka.bh

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Congress Controls Purse Strings, Not Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today urged his colleagues to reject President Donald Trump’s efforts to enact a harmful $9 billion cut to foreign aid and public broadcasting. The Republican rescissions bill would devastate public TV and radio stations across the country, making it more difficult for people – especially those in Native communities and rural areas – to get news and critical emergency alerts. The bill would also gut lifesaving foreign aid programs that millions of people around the world rely on.
    “Being part of the Article One branch means something very specific, and it means that we’re the legislature, and we control the purse strings,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill reduces funding for Ukraine. It reduces funding for global health. It continues to reduce funding for public television and public radio. Republicans don’t actually have to do this.”
    The full text of Schatz’s remarks can be found below. Video is available here. 
    Republicans don’t actually have to do this. I understand as well as anybody wanting to go along with your party’s president, especially in the early months. But being part of an independent and co-equal branch has to mean something. Being part of the Article One branch means something very specific, and it means that we’re the legislature and we control the purse strings.
    Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that if the president wants something, you must do it. And what worries me the most about this rescissions package, if it passes it is one thing for the president’s signature accomplishment, signature policy priority to be supported by Republicans in the legislature. I understand that. I understand the inevitable political momentum behind that. But this isn’t that. And we have now gone six months. Without a single instance of Republicans and Democrats coming together and establishing that there are some limitations on this president’s power.
    And if you remember the first Trump term, there were a couple of moments when the legislature actually stood up to the president, overrode a veto of his rejected a rescissions package. They stood up for their prerogatives. And you know what happened next? Nothing. Why? Because that’s actually how the system is supposed to work. We are not a parliamentary system. We are not a monarchy where the president says by tweet, by tweet, if you don’t adopt this exactly how it’s written, you will not receive my political support. Thank you for your attention to this matter. And that set us on a course towards passing this legislation, which I know a dozen, at least a dozen Republicans hate.
    It reduces funding for Jordan. It reduces funding for Ukraine. It reduces funding for global health. It did reduce funding for PEPFAR. It continues to reduce funding for public television and public radio. By the way, public radio is not just National Public Radio. If you were on a reservation. If you were in a very rural part of your state, it’s often not just the only radio station, the only communications infrastructure that exists in a rural area. So it’s the only platform for news. That’s true. It’s also the only emergency communications infrastructure, because still many places across the United States lack internet. And so Mike Rounds got his deal so that his tribes will be taken care of and I’m glad for him. But there are 49 other states where your emergency communications infrastructure is about to be defunded. Nobody likes that. Some people are pissed off about NPR’s coverage or PBS’s coverage. But come on, you defund an agency because you disagree with their editorial choices? Which country is this? Which country is this?
    I want to tell you something a little technical, but I think it gives away the whole game. So I’m the top Democrat on the foreign ops subcommittee. What does that mean? We do funding for U.S. aid in the State Department and a few other things. When we do the appropriations process, we get letters from every other member. They’re private letters, and a lot of people sign them and they say, “could you please give more money to whatever it is, maternal and child health or malaria prevention or, the PEPFAR program, the initiative to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission.” So we get a bunch of letters saying “please plus up this, please, plus up that” bipartisan letters. And we are trying to write a bill that accommodates all these needs. A lot of people who are about to vote to cut all the stuff are on the side writing me a letter saying, “please increase these accounts.” And why does this matter? This matters because nobody’s voting – I shouldn’t say nobody – many, many people are not voting their conscience tonight. And that’s just a fact.
    There’s a there’s a characterization in poker when you know you’re beat and someone puts money in on the river and you call anyway, it’s called a crying call. You give away your money sort of crying. This is a crying call. This is a “I know I’m beat, I vote aye,” and here’s the thing: we don’t actually have to do this.
    President Trump’s attention is famously divided, and if something pops next week, he will be on that thing next week. He did not wake up every morning thinking, I want to defund UNICEF. I want to defund PEPFAR. His attention will be divided, and the moment the legislature stands up for himself, usually what he does is he understands power and he says, “okay, those guys are asserting themselves. They’re a co-equal branch of government, and I’m going to have to move on from this.” Because why do I know this? We literally did the same thing. There was a rescissions package, which nobody remembers. Why? Because we quietly with Dick Shelby and others appropriators, all said “no, we hold the purse strings here. We write the laws that determine appropriations.” We’re not going to do this thing on a bipartisan basis, enact a spending plan, and then come in on a partisan basis and say, you know, that wasn’t actually the spending plan. That was just the spending cap. And the administration is going to come in and do whatever it wants on a partisan basis. And so what happened is they rejected the rescissions package on the motion to discharge, which is happening in about an hour and five minutes. And then you know what happened? Nothing. Nothing politically. Nothing substantively, except that we kept the appropriations process alive. We kept the filibuster alive. We kept bipartisanship alive. And in this instance, it’s not just about this institution. It is literally about people being kept alive.
    For the last five months, because of the United States’ actions, tens of thousands, at least, maybe hundreds of thousands of babies have gotten HIV/AIDS from their moms because we pulled funding. Because Elon Musk had some bug in his ear about USAID. And one weekend he said, we’re going to feed this thing to the woodchipper. And because Democrats too and pundits decided, you know what, foreign aid isn’t so important to voters. I don’t care if it’s important to voters, if it ranks on the number one, number two, or number three. We’re the United States of America and one of the reasons that we have such a strong reputation is that we do things that are right because they’re right, not because our voters are going to reward us immediately, not because we get some geopolitical advantage, but because we’re the damn good guys.
    And right now, we are ratifying a bunch of decisions against our will. We don’t have to do this. Donald Trump will move on to the next thing tomorrow. And if it’s not on this thing which has low salience for the voters, is 18 months from the next election. If it’s not on this, at what point are my Republican colleagues going to stand up for this branch of government?
    I remain ready to work with anybody on anything. I have talked to Chairman Graham about the possibility of literally enacting these rescissions, or at least a portion of them in the state and foreign ops mark, and yet they choose this legislative violence. We don’t have to do this. We don’t have to operate under the assumption that this man is uniquely so powerful. He’s the most powerful president. He owns the legislature in a way that no president has ever owned the legislature. And we all act like we’re just sort of observers, like clicking on the TV and seeing how our fantasy football team is doing this Sunday.
    We have agency tonight to reestablish that. We are the Article One branch of government, and that means something.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New city bus service confirmed

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A new bus service covering the Crown/Kingsmills area of Inverness as well as Wester Inshes is set to be launched on Monday 4 August.

    The new 100 bus service will be delivered by The Highland Council’s In-house bus team.

    Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Following recent route changes by Stagecoach, our in-house team have stepped in to create this new service so residents and visitors can still enjoy regular and reliable public transport in and around Inverness.”

    The 100 service will operate Monday to Friday, providing an off-peak connection between the city centre, Crown. Kingsmills, Raigmore Hospital, Inshes Retail Park, the Stevenson Road area, the UHI Campus and Inverness Retail & Business Park, with three journeys each way per day.

    Cllr Gowans added: “I’d like to thank our team for their work to set up this service so quickly in response to the needs of communities. Having the ability to be flexible and to react to customer demands is one of main benefits of investing in council bus services.”

    The timetable for the 100 service will be made available on the Council’s website. 

    16 Jul 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta, DeGette, Crenshaw and Dingell Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Improved Access to Over-the-Counter Medicines

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    Recently, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-1), Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-2) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6) introduced the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (OMFUA), a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee Act that has improved access to over-the-counter medicines.   

    “The over-the-counter monograph drug user fee program (OMUFA) allows consumers to manage their own care safely and affordably. Five years ago, as the original sponsor of this legislation, my colleagues and I modernized how the FDA regulates most over-the-counter medicines by enacting OMUFA. These reforms transformed a 40-year-old system, making it more efficient, transparent, and open to innovation. I’m proud to lead the reauthorization of this critical program,” Latta said.  

    “Millions of Americans rely on over-the-counter medications every day, and FDA’s over-the-counter medicines program ensures those products are safe, effective, and accessible. I was proud to play a role in creating OMUFA and to see it through its first five years. Now, as we approach reauthorization, it’s time to build on that success and continue giving FDA the tools it needs to deliver trusted medicines to Amerians’ shelves,” DeGette said.

    “This bipartisan bill empowers the FDA to review over-the-counter medicines quickly and efficiently — without compromising safety. It ensures Americans can trust that the products on their shelves are backed by the latest science, and spares the taxpayer a new obligation,” Crenshaw said.    

    “Nearly nine out of ten Americans regularly use over the counter medications to quickly, easily, and effectively manage a range of conditions. The Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act has been highly successful in improving OTC drug availability and safety. I’m leading this reauthorization with my bipartisan colleagues to ensure consumers continue to have safe access to the OTC products they depend on, and the U.S. remains a global leader in health and innovation,” Dingell said.  

    Today, Congressman Latta joined the Health Subcommittee hearing on legislative proposals to maintain and improve the public health workforce, rural health, and over the counter drugs, to discuss his bill, OMUFA. Watch the Congressman’s remarks here. 

    The OMUFA bill is endorsed by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association:   

    “CHPA applauds Representatives Latta, DeGette, Crenshaw and Dingell for their leadership in introducing this important reauthorization and for their continued support of self-care,” said CHPA President & CEO Scott Melville. “As the industry works to deliver safe, effective, and innovative OTC products to consumers, we look forward to working with Congress on refinements to the bill to ensure the final legislation maximizes the potential of monograph reform and can continue to provide savings and innovation to consumers. That includes inserting provisions into OMUFA to clarify how FDA evaluates the Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) standard, creating a clearer path for early agreement on data needs, and improving the efficiency of making product improvements while maintaining strong safety standards.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Bill to Assure Benefits for Atomic Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) today introduced legislation to eliminate bureaucratic barriers atomic veterans face when they apply for benefits they are entitled to after being exposed to toxic radiation. 

    The Congresswoman introduced the Providing Radiation Exposed Servicemembers Undisputed Medical Eligibility (PRESUME) Act to prohibit the VA from requiring evidence of a certain dose of radiation to determine if a veteran is considered radiation-exposed for the purposes of “presumptive benefits.”

    “Like anyone on the battlefield, cold warriors at the Nevada Test Site put themselves in harm’s way in service to our country. We cannot leave any of them behind. The bureaucratic barriers to care can be easily fixed through my legislation,” said Rep. Titus. “Our country’s atomic veterans helped win the peace during the Cold War, and they must be able to access the highest standard of care available.”

    Currently, to receive care for what the VA has categorized as “presumptive diseases” due to radiation exposure, a veteran must provide proof of on-site participation as well as radiation dose estimates from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Radiation dose estimates have historically been unreliable, leaving many exposed veterans unable to obtain the compensation they have earned.

    “Our atomic veterans should be treated the same way as civilians exposed to atomic radiation,” Rep. Titus said. “They have been wrongfully subjected to a double standard and have not received the care they deserve for treatment of cancer and pulmonary diseases. The PRESUME Act would fix this.” 

    The PRESUME Act has been endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, The Invisible Enemy, National Association of Atomic Veterans, Military-Veterans Advocacy, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

    “For far too long, veterans exposed to radiation have faced an uphill battle for VA health care and benefits. The diseases they develop, which often manifest decades after their military service, after radiation exposure. DAV is proud to support the PRESUME Act, which would remove outdated VA regulations and provide equity with other government programs by removing the radiation dose estimate requirements. We thank Rep. Titus for her leadership in reintroducing this critical legislation to ensure those exposed to radiation while in service get the care and benefits, they have rightfully earned,” said Jim Marszalek, National Service Director for Disabled American Veterans.

    “‘Veterans are a uniting issue for America as they are the protectors of our freedom. For many veterans, ionizing radiation is a significant issue and is the focus of our advocacy at The Invisible Enemy. Rep. Titus’ bill to remove the dosage requirement is very important as dosage is often impossible to prove but the impact of that exposure on veteran’s lives is significant. The Invisible Enemy 100% supports Rep. Titus on her effort to help our brothers and sisters in their quest for the benefits so deserved and earned,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of the Las Vegas-based The Invisible Enemy.

    “The National Association of Atomic Veterans is pleased to support the Presume Act. The legacy of Nuclear tests is riddled with Veterans not having proper Personal Protective Equipment and/or failure of monitoring radiation levels. Few of the Veterans were issued radiation badges and of those that had them, there were high failure rates due to environmental factors. Further, these badges only measure external gamma rays, X-rays, and high-energy beta radiation. They do not measure alpha, neutron, or low energy beta radiation. Additionally, none of the monitoring methods measure internal radiation doses of any form. Requiring a veteran to prove the level of exposure places an unreasonable burden of proof upon them,” said Keith Kiefer, National Commander for the National Association of Atomic Veterans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Secures $2 Million for Snohomish County to Improve Everett Rail Yard

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded a $2,000,000 grant to Snohomish County for its Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements project. The project will improve rail shipping capability, safety, and reliability for freight and intercity passenger service at the Everett Intermodal Yard. These improvements will benefit both BNSF freight trains and Amtrak Cascades service, and improve the county’s solid waste management system. 

    DOT awarded the funding through Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which enables communities of all sizes to carry out road, rail, transit and other surface transportation projects with significant local or regional impact.  

    Larsen and Snohomish County Leaders Applaud BUILD Grant 

    Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, requested funding for the project in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill.   

    “Thanks to the hard work of Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Public Works Director Kelly Snyder, Snohomish County has the funding it needs to increase the capacity of its rail yard and reduce delays,” said Rep. Larsen. “In Northwest Washington state, infrastructure means jobs. I will continue to support federal investments in roads, bridges, highways and transit in our region that relieve congestion, improve safety and spur economic growth in local communities.” 

    Dave Somers and Kelly Snyder celebrated the grant announcement and emphasized the importance of the funding to the community. 

    “This vital rail project will improve safety and reliability for workers, passengers, and freight at the Everett Intermodal Yard while allowing us and our rail partners to continue a sustainable, low-impact operation for residents,” Somers said. “I am grateful for the BUILD award to help move this important work forward.” 

    “Snohomish County Public Works is thankful for Congressman Larsen’s support in obtaining a U.S. DOT BUILD award. These funds will help improve and expand Delta intermodal yard in north Everett to keep up with safety, efficiency and growing demand,” said Snyder. “We value every dollar that sustains the regions infrastructure and keeps services moving along unabated. This BUILD grant is a vital source of funding that will help us continue to efficiently meet the needs of Snohomish County residents and visitors.” 

    Larsen Has Secured $105.9 Million in BUILD Grants for WA-02 Since 2022 

    Larsen has secured eight BUILD grants totaling $105,906,000 for local communities since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed. In addition to the $2 million grant for Snohomish County, Larsen has helped deliver: 

    • $25 Million for Lynnwood’s Poplar Way Bridge – In August 2022, DOT awarded the City of Lynnwood a $25 million RAISE grant to construct a new six-lane, multimodal bridge over I-5 in Lynnwood, between the intersections of 196th Street SW (State Route 524)/Poplar Way and 33rd Avenue W/Alderwood Mall Boulevard. 

    • $25 Million for Whatcom County’s Lummi Island Ferry – In August 2022, DOT awarded Whatcom County a $25 million RAISE grant to replace the 60-year-old Lummi Island ferry with an electric-battery hybrid ferry and build related infrastructure. 

    • $17.9 Million for Port of Bellingham’s Shipping Terminal Rail Connection Project – In June 2024, DOT awarded the Port of Bellingham a $17,931,000 RAISE grant to renovate a shipping terminal site, returning the site to a fully functioning multimodal terminal with more efficient loading and unloading of railcars on the terminal. 

    • $2 Million for Lynden’s Pepin Creek FASST Design Project – In January 2025, DOT awarded the City of Lynden a $2 million RAISE grant to complete planning for its project to relocate Pepin Creek, which runs in deep roadside ditches that overflow and flood the area during winter storms when large quantities of water flow across the U.S.-Canada border. 

    • $19.5 Million for Skagit Transit’s Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility – In January 2025, DOT awarded Skagit Transit a $19.5 million RAISE grant for the agency to continue renovating its Maintenance, Operations, and Administration Facility in Burlington. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Griffith Holds Legislative Hearing to Consider Public Health, Rural Health Care Bills

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, held a legislative hearing entitled “Legislative Proposals to Maintain and Improve the Public Health Workforce, Rural Health, and Over-the-Counter Medicines.” Some of the proposals considered during the hearing reauthorize public health programs, contribute to rural health care access and help rural communities.

    Following the hearing, Chairman Griffith issued the following statement:

    “Congress is determined to reauthorize vital programs that provide rural communities critical access to health care.

    “As the Health Subcommittee moves forward, I will continue to dedicate my Chairmanship to advancing policies that enable access to telehealth services, bolster our health care workforce, help administer health care to rural communities, like those in Southwest Virginia, and improve health care delivery to the nation.”

    Congressman Griffith’s opening remarks in the hearing can be seen here or below.

    Rep. Griffith’s questions to witnesses in the hearing can be seen here.

    BACKGROUND

    This July, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

    In his first public actions after being named Chairman, Representative Griffith visited multiple rural health care providers in Southwest Virginia.

    H.R. 2493, Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, continues existing programs that include direct funding to rural underserved populations.

    H.R. 3419, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs, preserves and promotes the use of telehealth and telemedicine in the treatment of patients.  

    Another proposal reauthorizes programs related to health professions education. This bill helps fund the education, training and preparation of prospective health professionals.

    Expiration of these public health programs will occur at the end of Fiscal Year 2025.

    These bills will continue to be examined before potential consideration by the full House.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Maryland Police Officer Sentenced for Excessive Force Conviction

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Former Fairmont Heights, Maryland, Police Officer Philip Dupree was sentenced today following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024. Dupree was sentenced to six years and two months in prison.

    During the weeklong jury trial, the evidence established that Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police Officer on Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop in the District of Columbia. After detaining a man, Officer Dupree pepper sprayed the man while he was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car. The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Howland for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Maryland Police Officer Sentenced for Excessive Force Conviction

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Former Fairmont Heights, Maryland, Police Officer Philip Dupree was sentenced today following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024. Dupree was sentenced to six years and two months in prison.

    During the weeklong jury trial, the evidence established that Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police Officer on Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop in the District of Columbia. After detaining a man, Officer Dupree pepper sprayed the man while he was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car. The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Howland for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Maryland Police Officer Sentenced for Excessive Force Conviction

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Former Fairmont Heights, Maryland, Police Officer Philip Dupree was sentenced today following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024. Dupree was sentenced to six years and two months in prison.

    During the weeklong jury trial, the evidence established that Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police Officer on Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop in the District of Columbia. After detaining a man, Officer Dupree pepper sprayed the man while he was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car. The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Howland for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Houchin, LaLota Lead Bipartisan Effort to Get Fire Fighters the Parkinson’s Care They Need

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    July 16, 2025

    For Immediate Release: July 16, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Erin Houchin (IN-09), and Nick LaLota (NY-01) introduced the bipartisan Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 to provide medical coverage and increased support for federal fire fighters who develop symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

    Despite clear evidence linking fire fighting to an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s, the federal government has yet to officially recognize the connection. As a result, fire fighters living with Parkinson’s face needless bureaucratic barriers when seeking thecare they need. This bill would change that by formally recognizing Parkison’s as a job-related illness for fire fighters to access the care they have earned and deserve.

    “Fire fighters are exposed to significantly more toxins than the civilian population. They put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that the medical issues that disproportionately arise as a result of their service are covered. Fire fighters shouldn’t have to fight to prove the link between their service and Parkinson’s disorders, given the data. This is the least we can do to those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving us,” Rep. Hoyle said.

    “Our fire fighters put their lives on the line every day, facing extreme risks most of us will never fully understand. The science is clear—chemical exposure and head trauma from fire fighting significantly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act ensures these heroes aren’t left to fight this battle alone. This bill is about honoring their service with the care and support they’ve earned,” Rep Houchin said.

    “The risks fire fighters face don’t end when the fire is out, and the science is clear: repeated exposure to toxic chemicals on the job significantly increases their risk of developing Parkinson’s. That’s why I support federal legislation to establish a presumptive link. Our fire fighters deserve more than praise—they deserve care, support, and the full backing of the country they serve,” said Rep. LaLota.

    “The research is clear: fire fighters face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease due to frequent, repeated exposure to toxins on the job. That’s why the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act is so important. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure fire fighters have access to the care and support needed following a Parkinson’s diagnosis,” said International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly. “The IAFF is proud to endorse this bill, and we’re grateful to Reps. Hoyle, Houchin, and LaLota for their leadership on this critical issue.”

    “The sacrifices made by federal fire fighters extend far beyond the immediate risks of responding to fires and other emergencies,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “Many suffer from job-related injuries and illnesses, including Parkinson’s, long after their federal service ends. NFFE is proud to endorse the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act to ensure these brave men and women receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve should they be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Thank you to Representatives Hoyle, Houchin, and LaLota for their leadership on this important issue.”

    “Fire fighters are exposed to numerous neurotoxic chemicals as they do their vital work. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is proud to endorse Representative Hoyle’s efforts to support fire fighters who develop Parkinson’s disease as they bravely protect our communities,” said Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, Chief Mission Officer, APDA.

    The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Carbajal (CA-24) and Neguse (CO-02).

    The bill is also supported by 6 organizations including the: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Parkinson Disease Assocation, Davis Phiney Foundation for Parkinson’s Power Over Parkinson’s, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Power Over Parkinson’s.

    Background

    Parkinsonism (PD) is a term used to describe a group of disorders that impacts movements and motor controls. Studies show that certain consistent chemical exposures and head injuries are linked to increased risk of PD. 

    Fire fighters are routinely exposed to chemicals such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide through their service, both of which have well documented links to developing PD.

    Fire fighters are also at greater risk of concussions, which has been shown toincreased risk of developing PD.

    The Bill

    The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 would officially establish PD as one of the “certain illnesses and diseases deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities.”

    Adding PD to the list of diseases linked to fire fighting would make it easier for fire fighters with PD to get medical coverage, care, and benefits without each individual fire fighter having to prove their occupation caused it.

    The bill helps to ensure that current and future generations of federal fire fighters get the protection, support, and care they earned and deserve.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor to Slam Republican Defunding of Faith-Based Organizations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), spoke on the Senate floor slamming President Trump and congressional Republicans’ rescissions package, which includes massive cuts to funding for faith-based organizations that provide important services, such as implementing foreign assistance and national security programming overseas and supporting refugee resettlement in the United States. The Republican rescissions bill, which Kaine opposes, cancels $9.4 billion in federal funding previously appropriated by a bipartisan majority in Congress for public broadcasting and national security programs.

    A transcript of Kaine’s speech is below:

    Mr. President.

    I wish I could tell you my speech will be short. I don’t think it will be long, but I will try to make it interesting. I want to tell you a story, and it’s not a story about anything that’s happened in this building. It’s a story about a very humble Catholic parish in Northside Richmond, Virginia called St. Elizabeth of Hungary.  

    It’s a very humble parish. It’s a small parish. It’s slightly over 100 years old. It’s the church where my wife and I were married more than 40 years ago, where all three of our children were baptized, where we attended Mass just this last Sunday to hear the Gospel reading, the story of the Good Samaritan.

    The church was founded more than 100 years ago in an unusual way.

    There were Italian and German immigrants in Richmond who felt looked down upon because of where they had come from and because of the accents that they spoke with and that their English wasn’t so good. And in the aftermath of World War I, people looked at German Americans and Italian Americans with some suspicion. German language was being criminalized in some of our states in the aftermath.

    And these immigrant refugee Catholics decided that they wanted a place where they could feel welcomed, loved, and safe as they worshipped in accord with the American value of freedom to worship. And so they set up this little parish in the Highland Park neighborhood of Northside Richmond, Virginia, where they could go and be together and feel safe.

    They chose an interesting name: St. Elizabeth of Hungary. St. Elizabeth of Hungary lived 1,000 years ago. She was a teenager and queen in a time of great poverty, and against the wishes of her husband and other officials, she would take bread and put the bread inside of her garments and go out and distribute it to the poor.

    And once she was caught and she was made to open her garment—and when she did open her garment, the bread had turned into roses—and that’s the miracle attributed to her. She lived only a short time and died, but she was made a saint by the Catholic Church.

    And these immigrants who started my parish chose that name because they felt like that was what was needed in the world—people who would try to serve others in need.

    100 years later, we celebrated the centennial of my church, Mr. President, a couple of years ago. And I was sitting there—I’ve now been a member of the parish for 40 years—and I was looking around, and I realized times change, and they don’t.

    Catholic Relief Services, which is one of the largest agencies in the United States that helps settle refugees who are legal immigrants—refugees are legal immigrants—about 15 years ago, settled a Congolese family into my church who had been in a refugee camp after fleeing violence in the Congo. Catholic, French, and Swahili-speaking. One Congolese family came to my church.

    And then over time, Catholic Relief Services decided, ‘well, this family likes St. Elizabeth, and they feel welcomed here.’ And other families started to come to my church. And so by now, as we were celebrating our centennial and I’m looking around the parish where I go, this small, very humble parish, it is sizably a Congolese refugee population—legal immigrants to the United States who have been settled through the Catholic Relief Service—and they’ve come to a place where they feel loved and cared for and safe and welcome.

    The color of their skin, the accent that they use, the fact that they’re unfamiliar with American culture might make them feel not so welcome in other venues, but in my church, they feel welcome.

    And it made me realize, as we celebrated that centennial, that my church looks real different in some ways than when it was founded 100 years ago, but in other ways it’s exactly the same. It’s a haven for people who are legal immigrants to the United States, but need a place where they can gather with others and feel welcome.

    Why do I tell that story? How is it connected to the rescission bill that we’re going to be voting on tomorrow?

    President Trump has sent a bill to Congress, and one of the pillars of that bill is to rescind the funding for refugee resettlement programs in the United States—run by churches.

    Seven of the ten organizations that resettle refugees in the United States are faith-based organizations. The largest two are the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops operating through Catholic Relief Services and the Evangelical organization World Vision. But it’s not just them. Church World Service, Lutheran Social Services, the Episcopal Church of the United States, World Relief. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society—founded more than 100 years ago to try to bring Jews, at that point, from Europe to the United States and make sure that as legal immigrants, yes, they would be allowed to be here legally, but they needed someone to teach them about American culture and integrate into American life.

    The practice of American religious organizations assisting in legal immigration goes back more than a century, and President Trump’s rescissions package that is before us wipes out funding to a dramatic degree for virtually all of them.

    Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society has had to lay off hundreds of staff.

    World Relief said this, ‘President Trump said he will defend persecuted Christians, but the U.S. refugee resettlement program is one of the primary ways that the U.S. government protects Christians and others fleeing persecution.

    The Episcopal Church of the United States has had to end its long standing refugee resettlement program because of President Trump’s budget cuts.

    Lutheran Social Services has … struggled to make payroll. They’ve had to lay off so many people. They’ve reduced the services that they’re able to provide, especially to Afghan allies who were in the United States because they worked with the United States military in Afghanistan to protect our troops.

    Catholic Charities has laid off all kinds of staff.

    The families at my church, they come up to me after Mass on Sunday, and they’re so frightened about what might happen because many of them have families still in refugee camps who might want to come here as legal refugees, as legal immigrants.

    I don’t know of a president who has attacked religious organizations—Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish—that have been doing this work, in many instances for more than a century, in such an orchestrated, intentional, and calculated way as President Trump.

    Matthew: I was a stranger and you welcomed me in. I was sick and you cared for me. I was hungry and you fed me.

    This is a bedrock belief of our nation’s religious organizations. That they will follow the law—legal refugee program—but they will help the person who is accessing legal refugee programs to be able to integrate into a society so they can live with some sense of dignity and have some chance of success.

    Why cut these programs? Why look in the face of these religious organizations that, out of a motivation of conscience, for decades, even a century, have decided that they will try to smooth that path, to integrate people into American life who are here lawfully. Why cut their funding? Why force them to be laid off? Why debilitate their ability to provide services?

    It’s an attack on the religious organizations so that they cannot do the work that their faith in their Creator compels them to do.

    I’m not surprised that President Trump would propose this. The language and the rhetoric and the behavior that he has exhibited toward even legal refugees, legal immigrants to this country, lead me to not be surprised that this important funding is on the chopping block in the bill that he sent to the Senate.

    But I have to admit that I am surprised that it seems to be just moving on a path to being accepted. It was accepted in the House without much drama, including by a whole lot of people who go to churches just like me and hear sermons preached about the Good Samaritan, just like I do every Sunday.

    And we’ll have an opportunity tomorrow to grapple with it here. I intend to, at least, offer an amendment to try to strip this piece of the bill out so that the bill will not be an attack on religious organizations doing what they feel compelled by their faith to do.

    And it is my prayer that the entire rescission bill fail for the reasons my colleagues have said. A deal is a deal, and we shouldn’t backtrack on it.

    But if we can’t defeat the entire rescission bill, it is my hope that we will allow organizations like Catholic Relief Services and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the Episcopal Church and World Vision and World Relief and Lutheran Social Services. It is my hope that we will at least allow them to practice the faith they sincerely believe and do it in a way consistent with what their practices have been for decades and in some cases, even more than a century.

    And so that’s what I’m going to be praying for tonight, that there’s a bit of a an epiphany in this body, and we realize that the work that these church-based organizations are doing isn’t bad. This work isn’t something that should be slashed and cut with these valuable faith workers laid off.

    My hope is that the Senate will realize this is good work that is really at the core of who we are as Americans. And tiny little parishes like St. Elizabeth of Hungary or synagogues or other churches all over this country who pride themselves on offering a welcoming environment for people who are here lawfully and want to make a way in America will be able to continue to do just that.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Unanimously Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters(MI) to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy to help strengthen U.S. leadership in global manufacturing. 

    “To support manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the United States, we need our industry partners, economic developers, lawmakers, and workers reading from the same playbook,” said Senator Peters. “A National Manufacturing Advisory Council would help bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and industry experts to strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges in the industry and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming decades.”

    Peters’ bipartisan legislation – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) – would establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council made up of manufacturing, labor, and education leaders to advise both Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on how best to ensure the United States remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce.

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year to advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that impact U.S. manufacturing. It would also propose solutions to challenges and problems facing manufacturers in the United States. The Advisory Council would be required to: 

    • IDENTIFY AND ASSESS the effects of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging needs for United States manufacturing competitiveness.  
    • SOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors – including businesses and labor groups – as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing. 
    • PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary addressing global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on ways to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing – as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of new technology and worker training and education priorities.  
    • IDENTIFY REGULATORY ISSUES encountered by the domestic manufacturing sector and provide advice on how to mitigate issues through a favorable environment for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.  

    “This initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation’s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfast, unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,” said Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  

    “We applaud Senator Gary Peters for introducing this bill to improve the federal government’s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,” said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM). “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.”  

    “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds Senator Gary Peters and Senator Marsha Blackburn for their continued leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,” said Kip Eideberg, American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.”    

    “We commend Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for introducing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,” said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “This council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and defense industrial base. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.”    

    Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act is also supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC).   

    Peters has consistently prioritized strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and create good-paying American jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. In May, Peters’ bipartisan Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act passed the Senate, which builds upon the Chips and Science Act to strengthen federal efforts to attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.

    Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis, and create millions of American jobs.  

    In May 2024, the Senate unanimously passed Peters’ bipartisan Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act to bolster federal efforts supporting U.S. manufacturing and American workers. Last year, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters’ bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Moskowitz, Blumenthal, Raskin, Stansbury Introduce New Bill to Rein in Potential Corruption Through Presidential Library Donations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 16, 2025

    Special interests seemingly seeking favors from Donald Trump have funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump’s presidential library 

    Recent Paramount settlement, $400M Qatari jet gift raise questions about potential influence-peddling

    Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, along with Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) unveiled the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act to close loopholes that allow presidential libraries to be used as tools for corruption and bribery.

    Giant corporations, at least one foreign government, and other entities have promised donations collectively worth hundreds of millions of dollars to President Donald Trump’s future library while he has the power to impact those same entities’ futures, from mega-merger approvals, to the preservation of the U.S. military base in Qatar, to Big Tech regulation, and more. The contributions, many in the form of settlements to Trump-filed lawsuits, raise serious ethics concerns about potential bribery and influence-peddling.

    “Companies like Paramount and Meta and foreign governments like Qatar may be paying off Donald Trump in plain sight — and right now, there are no rules to stop them,” said Senator Warren. “I’m leading the fight to rein in this avenue for corruption. Government should work for the American people, not just whichever giant company or foreign government can dump the most money into the president’s future library.”

    “President Trump’s acceptance of an extravagant plane from the Qatari government for eventual use in his Presidential Library is corruption plain and simple. Without any restrictions on donations to Presidential Libraries, other foreign governments can potentially extract policy favors from the White House in exchange for gifts and benefits. Our bill closes these loopholes for good so that Presidential Libraries cannot be used as backdoor tools for influence and corruption,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “Presidential libraries are an incredible resource for American families to learn about our history and the people who shaped it—but it’s also important we know who’s funding that history. Right now, these libraries are a black box, allowing for anonymous donors and even foreign governments to give unlimited amounts of money,” said Representative Moskowitz. “This bill reforms the process so presidents of all parties are subject to commonsense ethics rules. I led this effort last Congress and am doing it again now because the American people deserve the transparency created under this bill, and all presidents should be subject to it.” 

    “I’m proud to co-lead this legislation, which would impose commonsense safeguards on fundraising for presidential libraries,” said Representative Raskin. “Our bill would ensure that presidential libraries are tools for teaching and preserving presidential history, and not just another corrupt self-enrichment scheme for the president. Our bill would ban the use of library donations for personal expenses, ensure quarterly disclosures of contributions made while the president is still in office, and prevent presidential library donations from being used as a backdoor tool by powerful corporations, lobbyists and foreign governments to influence the president and foreign and domestic policy.”

    Unlike presidential campaigns or inaugural committees, Presidential Libraries are subject to almost no restrictions on donations. Presidents can raise funds for their libraries, even while still in office, and accept donations from anyone — including foreign nationals, lobbyists, people seeking presidential pardons, and corporations with matters before federal agencies. These donations can be unlimited and donor names do not have to be disclosed. 

    Just weeks ago, Paramount settled President Trump’s seemingly meritless lawsuit for $16 million — with the money funneling straight into Trump’s future library. Paramount is currently vying for the Trump administration’s approval of its proposed mega-merger with Skydance. In May 2025, President Trump announced that he would accept a free luxury jet — worth about $400 million — from the government of Qatar, and that the jet would be donated to his Presidential Library after he leaves office. 

    Senator Warren this week published a new analysis revealing that companies seeking favorable outcomes from the Trump administration have pledged to funnel at least $63 million into Trump’s future presidential library. Other gifts and in-kind donations — including the luxury Qatari jet, expensive candlelight dinners at Mar-a-Lago, leftover inauguration donations, revenue from sales of Trump-themed merchandise, and more — bring the total value of gifts flowing into Trump’s library to roughly half a billion dollars. 

    The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act would:

    • Ban fundraising while the President is in office, with a carveout for nonprofits: Require that Presidential Libraries wait until the President leaves office before fundraising or accepting donations, except from 501(c)(3) organizations (mirroring the standard adopted by the Obama Foundation).
    • Establish a contribution cap: For 501(c)(3) organizations that can donate while a president is still in office, limit donations to $10,000 total.
    • Impose a cooling-off period for donations from foreign nationals, lobbyists, contractors, individuals seeking pardons: For an additional 2 years after the President leaves office, prohibit donations from foreign nationals or foreign governments, registered lobbyists, federal contractors, and individuals seeking presidential pardons.
    • Ban conversion of donations to personal use: Bar the use of Library donations for personal expenses or unrelated financial obligations.
    • Mandate quarterly disclosures: During the President’s time in office and for 5 years after, require all donations of $200 or more to be disclosed to the National Archives each calendar quarter. Publish donor information (including name, employer, and date and amount of the donation) online in a searchable, downloadable format.
    • Prohibit straw donations: Make it illegal to donate in someone else’s name, or to knowingly allow your name to be used for a straw donation.

    The following senators joined as cosponsors: Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Emmanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.). 

    The bill is endorsed by the following: Project On Government Oversight (POGO), Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Democracy Defenders Action (DDA), Campaign Legal Center (CLC), Freedom of the Press Foundation, Public Citizen, Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, Demand Progress, and American Governance Institute.

    “The Presidential Library system was created by FDR to be a gift to the people and posterity – not a grift for a greedy president or a conduit for favor-seekers and influence peddlers. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act turns off this firehose of corruption and restores Presidential Libraries to their original mission: to enable the American people to access presidential papers so they can learn from the past and build a better future,” said Jon Golinger, Democracy Advocate at Public Citizen.

    “For far too long, presidential libraries have operated without sufficient transparency or guardrails. Recent reporting that the Trump administration plans to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari government to be donated to President Trump’s presidential library foundation raises significant concerns regarding the use of gifts from foreign actors to curry favor with the president,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “Senator Warren’s Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act of 2025 would bring urgently needed reform to presidential libraries by prohibiting presidents from fundraising or accepting most donations until after they leave office and impose an additional two year ban on any donations from foreign nationals, lobbyists, contractors or individuals seeking pardons. CREW enthusiastically endorses this legislation and urges the Senate to pass it expeditiously.”

    “There are already too many ways for powerful interests to game the system, peddle influence and capture institutions,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO). “The fact that it appears as though presidential libraries have become yet another vector of potential corruption and pay-to-play is deeply disturbing. It only makes sense to enact some commonsense guardrails and rules around how donations to presidential libraries can be made, when, in what amounts and by who, similar to campaign finance rules. Senator Warren and her colleagues should be commended for introducing this bill and leading the way on these anti-corruption reforms.” 

    “The American people deserve to know which self-interested corporations, billionaires and foreign nationals are funneling millions of dollars to the president. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act is a commonsense reform that brings needed transparency to the legal wild west of presidential library donations. We thank Sen. Warren for working to stop this corruption and for holding presidents of both parties accountable,” said Emily Peterson-Cassin, Corporate Power Director of Demand Progress.

    “Donations to presidential libraries are the soft belly of political corruption, providing an opportunity for foreign nations and unscrupulous actors to bribe sitting presidents with gifts of unlimited funds for their post-presidential projects. The Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act provides critical limits and accountability to reign in corrupt practices that have besmirched presidents for decades,” said Daniel Schuman, Executive Director of the American Governance Institute.

    “Campaign Legal Center (CLC) strongly supports the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act and thanks its sponsors for introducing this vital legislation,” said Erin Chlopak, Senior Director of Campaign Finance at Campaign Legal Center. “Presidential libraries are supposed to be about our nation’s history. However, donations to these institutions are increasingly being used as a loophole for wealthy special interests, corporations, and even foreign governments to seek favor with the president and gain undue influence. Because existing laws that regulate money in politics don’t extend to presidential libraries, new rules are needed to prevent them from becoming another avenue for corruption that undermines trust in our government. CLC urges Congress to pass this legislation and safeguard the integrity of our democracy without delay.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Slams Republicans’ Rescissions Package on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    FACT SHEET: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Shutter Local Public Radio, TV Stations Across America

    FACT SHEET: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Gut Bipartisan Foreign Policy Investments

    ICYMI: Vought Refuses to Rule Out More Illegal End-Runs Around Congress & Refuses to Detail How Trump Will Execute Cuts If Rescissions Bill Passes

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s floor remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor slamming Senate Republicans for moving forward with President Trump’s devastating rescissions package and continuing to urge a no vote on final passage:

    [LAUGHABLE CLAIMS OF “FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY”]

    “Two weeks ago, Republicans were jamming through the most expensive bill in the history of the country. And now, they say they are worried about the debt.

    “Two weeks ago, Republicans said four trillion bucks in tax cuts for the richest people in the world was nothing—literally. And now, they are saying a truly tiny fraction of that for rural radio is just too much.

    “So, I have to ask: Is this a joke? Are they really that bad at math?

    “First, Republicans were saying trillions in tax cuts were free. Get real.

    “And now, they are pretending to be fiscal hawks by shutting down local news, and letting epidemics go unchecked around the world.

    “Well, here’s another math lesson for my colleagues, Republicans could cut every dollar ever spent on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting since it was created—down to the last dime—and it still would not cover the cost of the bill Republicans just jammed through.

    “Republicans could actually cut every dollar we have spent on foreign aid since World War II—and that would still fall short compared to the cost of the Republican tax cuts.

    “Republicans could even cut the amount in this first rescissions bill—every single day for a year—and it still would not equal their tax cuts to help their rich donors.

    “So, make no mistake, if Republicans choose to do Trump’s bidding, if they push through this package to rip away funding for emergency alerts and global health programs, it is not because they take the debt seriously.

    [MORE REQUESTS COMING]

    “And that will be just as true for the next package, because let’s be clear, if Republicans go along with this package, despite the fact they clearly have issues with it, and despite the fact Russ Vought has refused to answer the most basic questions—even from the Republican Chair of the Appropriations Committee—about which programs he is going to cut.

    “If all of that is not enough to give Republicans just some pause, and they let Russ Vought steamroll them through this package, don’t be surprised when he sends more cuts down the pike.

    “It could be medical research, and after school programs, maybe heating assistance, workplace safety, road maintenance. Everything is going to be on the chopping block. And all of our time here in the Senate is going to be spent on those requests.

    [SPENDING PRIORITIES]

    “And here’s the kicker—no matter how many rescissions Russ Vought sends, no matter how many rescissions Republicans roll over and let pass, they will never offset the trillions in tax cuts they just passed without blinking an eye.

    “Because you could rescind the entire FY25 spending bill—twice over—and it still would not cover the four trillion in tax cuts Republicans just showered on the richest people in this country.

    “So, however this vote goes, expect to hear more from me on this every time Republicans try to pretend we don’t have money for child care, or medical research, or other programs that our families rely on.

    “Now, M. President. I’ve said a lot about how patently absurd it is for Republicans to pretend they are passing these cuts because they care about the debt. But I do not want to lose sight of the larger issues. It’s not just that Republicans’ play acting about the debt is absurd, the bigger problem here is that these cuts would be devastating for our communities and for American interests around the globe.

    [SHUTTING DOWN LOCAL STATIONS]

    “When it comes to local news, these cuts could force local stations that people know and trust—know and trust—off the air. This isn’t just about a program or two taking a haircut. Trump wants to slash every penny of federal funding that supports over 1,500 local TV and radio stations.

    “Those stations, and those funds, reach 98% of all Americans. And they are especially crucial for serving our rural areas and Tribal communities. Dozens of these stations rely on these investments for half of their funding, some rely on it for as much as 99 percent!

    “If these cuts go through, these stations go dark. Weather forecasters communities have turned to for years, news anchors that are trusted voices, local reporters who track down answers their communities need and hold their officials to account, will be sent packing. And those stations will go silent.

    “Do we want our farmers to have good local coverage of weather, and market conditions? Do we want our tribal communities to know what is going on at the state capitol? Do we want families to have updates about the local school board, or community events?

    “Because this package of cuts throws all of that in jeopardy.

    “To say nothing of emergency alerts. These stations can be a lifeline when disaster strikes. They are a trusted source of information, and sometimes the only source people have access to.

    “When the devastating wildfires hit southern California earlier this year, public radio broadcasts let millions of people know how to stay safe. When Hurricane Helene battered North Carolina, a local public radio station was the only source of information for many people.

    “And, in fact, many stations use their towers to actually deliver emergency alerts to people’s cell phones when cell towers go down. This funding supports stations who play an integral role in many states’ emergency planning.

    “Do you think our communities should have less warning in an emergency? Do you want to leave folks back home with less information when they are in harm’s way?

    Well, I guess you vote for this bill if that’s how you feel. Want you to know, I’m a hard no.

    [SIDE DEAL TO ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL]

    “And let’s not pretend a secret deal from Trump and Vought, to reallocate $10 million dollars, is somehow a serious fix to this. It is a tiny drop in the bucket compared to the massive cuts being pushed through here. In fact, it’s less than 1% of the overall funding that this package would rip away for public broadcasting and those alerts.

    [KIDS PROGRAMMING]

    “And don’t forget, these cuts are going to impact some of our kids’ and parents’ favorite educational shows. Sesame Street, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger, PBS Kids has a long track record of creating shows that are beloved.  

    “Not just because they keep kids entertained, but because they are thoughtfully crafted to help them learn and grow, to stoke their curiosity, to teach them caring and empathy. Any parent will tell you that is a worthwhile investment.

    “And any parent will also warn you, if you take away shows like this that gets kids engaged and gets them thinking, take that away, then there is an avalanche of brain-rot television that’s waiting to fill that void. Content that is crafted, not to get kids thinking, but to keep them watching at all costs.

    “We have to save Sesame Street. We have to tell Trump and Vought, Big Bird is not on the chopping block in this country. And we have to send this rescissions package to Oscar’s place—AKA the trash can.

    [AMERICAN INTERESTS ABROAD]

    “And M. President, I want to talk as well about the devastating cuts this package proposes to foreign assistance. I thought America’s leadership was important to Republicans?

    “But apparently, they want to penny pinch when it comes to keeping our commitments across the world, apparently, they want to save money by letting families starve, and kids die of preventable diseases. Because that is what this package will do.

    “And this isn’t some thought exercise—we have already seen how the first round of reckless DOGE cuts are working out.

    “There’s already a growing death toll and a huge leadership void that our competitors are racing to fill, people who needed health care—but Elon Musk shut down the only clinic for miles, kids contracting diseases like HIV and Malaria—because Trump totally upended our global health response, and let’s not forget, they’re going to destroy contraceptives we’ve already purchased rather than distribute them.

    “And people are starving to death while food supplies from American companies are sitting rotting in ports. That’s another part of why America’s farmers are coming out in opposition to this bill by the way.

    “This week, 500 tons of high energy biscuits expired. Food that we already paid for. Food that was meant to save lives. And because Trump and Elon Musk blasted USAID to smithereens and couldn’t be bothered to fix the mess that they caused, this food is now going to be incinerated—even as people we promised to help watch their kids starve.

    “That is outrageous, and it is infuriating.

    “Is that what Republicans think of as world leadership? Is it leadership to Republicans when Trump fires thousands of State Department workers who keep our nation safe, and make our voice heard in the world?

    “Is it leadership to Republicans when we pull investments out of international organizations, and create a void that our adversaries like China will be all too happy to fill?

    “We already know the DOGE cuts were devastating. We know that! What I don’t know is why on earth Republicans are getting ready today to double down and codify them by passing this bill. And no—‘because Trump said so’—is not a good answer.

    “Especially when it’s clear Russ Vought is the one steering this particular ship. I’m not even sure Trump knows what a rescission is! But I’m sure Republicans know better than to think these cuts will make our nation strong.

    “I know that because we passed these investments in a bipartisan way. And because I have heard them speak out about how much they hate these cuts. You can go back and watch our hearing on this, many of our colleagues across the aisle during that hearing voiced deep concern with these cuts, that they now intend to pass today.  

    “Because we all know these investments benefit American businesses who help feed the world.

    “They help stop outbreak, they stop diseases abroad before they spread and threaten us here at home. They help promote stability and avoid chaos and conflict that can put our interests—and our servicemembers—in harm’s way.

    “They help us advance America’s interests and keep our country safe and prosperous.

    “That’s the smart thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do. And of course, it is also the right thing to do.

    “So, it’s worth saying, cutting these investments is just down right wrong.

    “We should not be voting to let children starve or die from preventable diseases. We should not be voting to go back on our word to the world.

    Saving a couple pennies is not worth losing our credibility or causing millions of needless deaths across the globe.

    “It is not even close.

    [DOESN’T NEED TO BE THIS WAY]

    “And M. President. I want to impress upon one final point. And that’s this, it did not have to be this way, and it still does not have to be this way.

    “In fact, if Republicans come to their senses, and vote this thing down, we still can go a different route. We can do what we have always done and consider bipartisan rescissions as part of our annual appropriations process. That offer has always been on the table. And it still is.
    “I’ve heard Republicans say they don’t like this package, in fact they are trying to dial it back the tiniest bit. I’ve also heard that they don’t want to spend the next several months processing these requests out here on the floor, instead of focusing on our annual funding bills—or any number of other pressing priorities.

    “So: don’t vote for it!

    “Work with us to write bills that make targeted rescissions on a bipartisan basis. You don’t work for Donald Trump. You don’t work for Russ Vought. You actually work for your constituents. You can put them first. And you can vote this package down.

    “That has some real benefits compared to going down the path of this unprecedented—unprecedented— partisan rescissions.

    “I am serious—I want my Republican colleagues to think about that. And I mean really think about it.

    “For one thing, if we do things the normal, bipartisan way, you get to assert your say as a Senator about what is getting targeted, it’s not just ‘this is what Russ Vought says—take it or leave it.’ You can actually be a part of the discussion and speak out for what is important to you.

    “For another thing: If we go the bipartisan route, you don’t have to get jammed by this deadline. 

    “Instead of rushing through cuts this week without fully getting to consider and debate them, instead of being told ‘No, you can’t change this, we don’t have time.’ We can all sit down, make thoughtful decisions, and maybe even worthwhile changes as we go.

    “And here’s an important point, if we do rescissions together through our appropriations bills, instead of just letting Trump and Russ Vought jam through whatever they want, my colleagues would actually know what in the world they are voting for.

    [NO INFORMATION ON WHAT WILL BE CUT]

    “Because let’s get one thing straight, Republicans don’t actually know what programs are going to get cut if they pass this package.

    “We don’t know! It’s one of the great outrages of this package. Russ Vought is just outright refusing to tell us what programs he is going to cut if this package passes.

    “At our hearing with him, he refused to go into detail. He stonewalled us. We asked and we asked. The Chair, the Republican Chair, even asked him about this.

    “But OMB would not tell us! The question is: What will you cut? The answer has been: Pass it, we’ll see.

    “That is why the Republicans decided to protect just a handful of programs without actually reducing the funding associated with them, because they do not know the impact.

    “So, they preserve funding for Jordan, Egypt, and a few university partnerships. What about our allies in the Indo-Pacific? What about the implementers of these programs in our states?

    “None of us should accept not having those answers. And I’m sure my colleagues were told their priorities won’t be impacted, but Director Vought cannot keep that promise given the scale of these cuts. The math simply does not add up!

    “Even if you believe we should make cuts, you should be joining us to demand we actually know what is being cut. And, if we do this the right way, the bipartisan way, we would know. Because we would be writing the bill.

    “Now, doesn’t that sound a lot better, than just passing this pandora’s box, and finding out later what got cut?

    [IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SENATE]

    “Finally, I have said this before, several times, but I want to warn my colleagues once again, if you keep going down this path you are going to further undermine our bipartisan process. 

    “We have never, never before seen bipartisan investments, slashed through a partisan rescissions package. Do not start now. Not when we are working, at this very moment, in a bipartisan way to pass our spending bills.

    “As I said earlier, bipartisanship doesn’t end with any one line being crossed, it erodes, it breaks down bit by bit, until one day there is nothing left.

    Sure, a few members may be willing to stick it out and work as hard as they can to get a result.

    “But this Senate doesn’t work off a few members—it works off consensus building. And the more bridges you burn, the fewer paths you leave to get things done.

    “So, M. President, why go down this partisan path? Why vote to spend the next many weeks considering more of these packages? And why do it for a set of cuts that are so damaging? A set of cuts, many of you have serious concerns with?

    “We are at the table right now, the Appropriations Committee, writing bipartisan spending bills. And we can and absolutely discuss bipartisan rescissions.

    “Why don’t you join us and make that work easier, instead of making that work harder by passing this bill and setting a very painful new precedent.

    “I urge my colleagues to join me in voting NO.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate & House Education Leaders Statement on Trump Admin Illegally Moving Department of Education Programs to DOL as Part of Its Efforts to Dismantle the Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Murray, DeLauro, Scott, Baldwin Call on Department of Education to Immediately Cease Illegal Plan to Transfer Career and Technical Education Program Responsibilities to Labor Department

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee; Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); Ranking Member Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education; Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce; and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), House Appropriations Committee and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Department of Education (ED) and Department of Labor (DOL) announced plans to transfer career and technical education and adult education programs from ED to DOL. 

    “The Court’s ruling to allow the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education as litigation continues sets a troubling precedent. Congress authorized and appropriated funds to the Department of Education to carry out career and technical education programs. The law of the land has not changed. If this administration is able to do this, no education program that our teachers, parents, and children rely on is safe from an administration more interested in executing its extreme agenda than helping students.  

    “Let’s be clear: this is not about cutting through red tape or returning education to the states. This is about dismantling the Department of Education and attacking our public education system. This is yet another illegal action by this administration that ignores the rule of law. This comes as the Administration is already illegally withholding nearly $7 billion in education funding, including for the Adult Education programs tied up in this illegal transfer. 

    “Republicans should join Democrats to stand up for our teachers, parents, and students and prevent further destruction of our public education system.”

    The Department of Education is the agency best fit to administer these workforce development programs. The primary goal of the adult education program is to help adults achieve reading, writing, math, and English language proficiency. Many of the career and technical education (CTE) programs authorized under Perkins V are a part of secondary school curricula that help expose students to career opportunities.  Most CTE students end up enrolling in postsecondary education, not getting a job right out of high school.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NYS DEC to Assist With Colorado Wildfires

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that 11 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers and Lands and Forests staff are traveling to Colorado to support ongoing efforts to contain wildland fires raging in the state. Wildland firefighters were deployed this week for an anticipated two-week assignment.

    “New Yorkers are always ready to volunteer when other states need our help,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re fortunate to have well-trained incident command and wildland firefighting experts in New York State to lend emergency assistance and support. I thank all the responders working the fires for their efforts and look forward to their safe return.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC firefighters are among the most highly trained wildland firefighters in the country. Along with expert firefighting, Forest Rangers are trained to support and lead Incident Command during coordinated wildfire response missions. In addition, our expert Lands and Forest staff will support efforts to contain these raging wildfires to ensure safe operations for the response crews and the people of Colorado affected by these wildfires. I know our staff will make DEC proud.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Wildfire smoke is particularly concerning for those most vulnerable to negative health impacts from unhealthy air quality including those with heart conditions or lung disease, as well as the very young, those over 65 years old, and pregnant people. We are grateful to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation firefighters and other responders working to put out fires in Colorado, reduce the smoke in those areas and protect public health.”

    Six Forest Rangers and four Lands and Forests staff members are assigned to the Pagosa Ranger District on the San Juan National Forest in Pagosa Springs. They will support the initial attack during a period of high fire danger and expected lightning. One Forest Ranger is assigned to the South Rim Fire in Gunnison National Park, which has burned more than 3,600 acres of land and is zero percent contained.

    New York State regularly deploys highly trained wildland firefighters to help battle fires and support incident response in other states and nations as part of interstate and international firefighting compacts.

    In 1979, New York sent its first firefighting crew to assist western states with large wildfires. On average, one or two crews are deployed as needed to assist with wildfires every year. In addition to helping contain wildfires and minimize damage to people and property, these crews gain valuable experience that will be utilized fighting wildfires and managing incidents in New York State.

    All personnel and travel expenses for the New York crews are either paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to New York State based on a mutual aid agreement between states and federal land agencies.

    New York State recently issued Air Quality Health Advisories due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. These conditions are especially dangerous for vulnerable New Yorkers with medical conditions such as asthma and/or heart disease. DEC and the State Department of Health (DOH) issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. Recent advisories are due to fine particulate matter carried by the wind from the wildfires. Ozone production can also be enhanced by the presence of wildfire smoke. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

    The latest AQI Forecast and current advisories in effect can be viewed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Celebrating the opening of Halifax’s new Marine Container Examination Facility

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 16, 2025                       Halifax, Nova Scotia                        Canada Border Services Agency

    Today, the Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, along with senior officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Halifax Port Authority and the Africville community, celebrated the opening of the new Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  

    This new examination facility, constructed by the Halifax Port Authority with funding from Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund and funding from the CBSA, represents an investment into Canada’s future, and a commitment to the safety and security of Canadians. In addition to allowing for improved flow of supply chains and secure trade, it enables Canadian businesses to compete and grow in international markets, improves efficiency and safety for CBSA employees and operations, and contributes to continued growth for port operations in Halifax.

    Halifax’s new Marine Container Examination Facility is home to the CBSA’s Container Examination Team and Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit, and is located on the shores of the Bedford Basin, adjacent to the PSA Halifax Fairview Cove Terminal near the former Africville community. The 2,700 square-metre Envision-Verified Certified building replaces the former MCEF warehouse located in the Burnside Industrial Park, which required shipping containers to be transported across the MacKay Bridge for examination.

    The work taking place at the new MCEF is critical to protecting Canadian communities and trade partner communities from the impacts of transnational organized crime, while facilitating the smooth flow of Canada’s critical supply chains via the Port of Halifax, one of Canada’s most vital marine gateways.

    High-risk shipping containers are referred for examination at the MCEF by the CBSA’s National Targeting Centre, as well as the CBSA’s Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit in Halifax. CBSA officers based at the facility then conduct comprehensive examinations of the containers and cargo to look for drugs, weapons, stolen vehicles and other dangerous contraband being imported to or exported from Canada. Officers also ensure compliance with Canada’s food, plant, and animal regulations.

    Large quantities of illicit drugs and stolen vehicles are regularly intercepted by CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility. From March 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025, CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility intercepted 189 stolen vehicles, 1957kg of cannabis leaving Canada, and $208M worth of narcotics.

    The facility’s name, Africville Seasides, honours the history, vibrancy and resiliency of the people of Africville. Africville community members selected the building’s name in honour of their hockey team, the Africville Seasides, which played in the first and only all-Black men’s ice hockey league in Canada and won two championships in the early 1900s.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New wildland provincial park in Alberta

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Rural and Remote Health Minister Continues Summer Tour Through Eastern Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 16, 2025

    Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr is continuing her Saskatchewan summer tour through the eastern part of the province. Minister Carr will meet with local leadership and health care staff while visiting health facilities in Nokomis, Wynyard and Foam Lake.

    “It has been a wonderful opportunity to travel throughout the province over the past months and meet with dedicated health professionals in each community,” Minister Carr said. “Our government remains committed to ensuring high quality healthcare for residents close to home, and safe, modern facilities to attract the best healthcare professionals to this province.”

    As part of its capital funding plan, Government provided $760,000 in 2024-25 for roof repairs at Foam Lake Jubilee Home which will take place in 2025-26 and has budgeted an additional $150,000 this year to replace the facility’s air conditioning system. 

    Additionally, over the past three years, the Nokomis Health Centre received upgrades including a new kitchen HVAC exhaust system, new shingles and a nurse call system for a total cost of $281,000.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Norcross Secures Priorities to Invest in South Jersey, Increase National Defense Innovation as NDAA Advances

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee and Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ), advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of committee and secured priorities that invest in South Jersey and increase national defense innovation. This is the 65th year that the NDAA, the largest authorization bill in Congress with a budget of $882.6 billion, passed out of committee, continuing the tradition of bipartisan cooperation on this bill.   

    “The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was passed out of committee is a commitment to our nation’s security and a steadfast investment in the courageous men and women in our armed forces. It ensures that we have what every commander wants for their troops: that they are manned, trained, and equipped with the best to carry out our nation’s mission and return home safely. It provides a $3.8% pay raise to all servicemembers and it cuts down on red tape to make certain that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep our country safe,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens our industrial base, reinforces Buy American principles, supports our allies, and includes the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) Act to streamline procurement and decision-making. As ranking member of the Tactical Air and Land Subcommittee, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen our national defense, continue investing in our industrial base, and deliver for South Jersey.”

    The FY26 NDAA improves military readiness and strengthens American industry by cutting red tape, fixing outdated systems, and supporting defense innovation. The FY26 NDAA also includes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers and a 60 percent increase in the Family Separation Allowance which increases the monthly allowance to military families separated due to mission requirements.  

    Rep. Norcross authored an amendment that was adopted in a bipartisan vote to protect Department of Defense employees by restoring their collective bargaining rights after President Trump illegally issued an executive order that stripped these rights away.  

    Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA Priorities Secured by Rep. Norcross: 

    • Over $618 million for CH-47 helicopters, which will be manufactured by South Jersey workers. 
    • Over $2.5 billion for the KC-46 refueler aircraft, which flies out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst.  
    • $5 million to Rowan University for research, development, and engineering to enable rapid entry and sustainment in the Arctic and other cold regions being conducted. 
    • Protected Buy American principles, American jobs, and manufacturing by making sure defense programs continue using U.S.-made parts and materials, keeping our industrial base strong 
    • Required a detailed Pentagon briefing on how it will spend reconciliation funds to strengthen and modernize the munitions industrial base, holding the Pentagon accountable for how it will use the funds. 
    • Required a DoD study on the state of the skilled trade workforce essential to Navy shipbuilding to strengthen the training and workforce pipeline and increase our shipbuilding capacity. 
    • Protected the E-7 Wedgetail program from cancellation, ensuring $800 million in continued investment in this critical airborne warning and control capability. 
    • $9.9 million investment to enhance Army command and control for unmanned systems and their defense which will be developed by South Jersey workers.  
    • $10 million for research and development of man-portable doppler radars for Army Network Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence (C3I) Technology. 
    • $50 million to support U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling cooperation. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why drones and AI can’t quickly find missing flood victims, yet

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Robin R. Murphy, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University

    The landscape In the aftermath of a flood makes it challenging to spot victims. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

    For search and rescue, AI is not more accurate than humans, but it is far faster.

    Recent successes in applying computer vision and machine learning to drone imagery for rapidly determining building and road damage after hurricanes or shifting wildfire lines suggest that artificial intelligence could be valuable in searching for missing persons after a flood.

    Machine learning systems typically take less than one second to scan a high-resolution image from a drone versus one to three minutes for a person. Plus, drones often produce more imagery to view than is humanly possible in the critical first hours of a search when survivors may still be alive.

    Unfortunately, today’s AI systems are not up to the task.

    We are robotics reseachers who study the use of drones in disasters. Our experiences searching for victims of flooding and numerous other events show that current implementations of AI fall short.

    However, the technology can play a role in searching for flood victims. The key is AI-human collaboration.

    Drones have become standard equipment for first responders, but floods pose unique challenges.
    Eric Smalley, CC BY-ND

    AI’s potential

    Searching for flood victims is a type of wilderness search and rescue that presents unique challenges. The goal for machine learning scientists is to rank which images have signs of victims and indicate where in those images search-and-rescue personnel should focus. If the responder sees signs of a victim, they pass the GPS location in the image to search teams in the field to check.

    The ranking is done by a classifier, which is an algorithm that learns to identify similar instances of objects – cats, cars, trees – from training data in order to recognize those objects in new images. For example, in a search-and-rescue context, a classifier would spot instances of human activity such as garbage or backpacks to pass to wilderness search-and-rescue teams, or even identify the missing person themselves.

    A classifier is needed because of the sheer volume of imagery that drones can produce. For example, a single 20-minute flight can produce over 800 high-resolution images. If there are 10 flights – a small number – there would be over 8,000 images. If a responder spends only 10 seconds looking at each image, it would take over 22 hours of effort. Even if the task is divided among a group of “squinters,” humans tend to miss areas of images and show cognitive fatigue.

    The ideal solution is an AI system that scans the entire image, prioritizes images that have the strongest signs of victims, and highlights the area of the image for a responder to inspect. It could also decide whether the location should be flagged for special attention by search-and-rescue crews.

    Where AI falls short

    While this seems to be a perfect opportunity for computer vision and machine learning, modern systems have a high error rate. If the system is programmed to overestimate the number of candidate locations in hopes of not missing any victims, it will likely produce too many false candidates. That would mean overloading squinters or, worse, the search-and-rescue teams, which would have to navigate through debris and muck to check the candidate locations.

    Developing computer vision and machine learning systems for finding flood victims is difficult for three reasons.

    One is that while existing computer vision systems are certainly capable of identifying people visible in aerial imagery, the visual indicators of a flood victim are often very different compared with those for a lost hiker or fugitive. Flood victims are often obscured, camouflaged, entangled in debris or submerged in water. These visual challenges increase the possibility that existing classifiers will miss victims.

    Second, machine learning requires training data, but there are no datasets of aerial imagery where humans are tangled in debris, covered in mud and not in normal postures. This lack also increases the possibility of errors in classification.

    Third, many of the drone images often captured by searchers are oblique views, rather than looking straight down. This means the GPS location of a candidate area is not the same as the GPS location of the drone. It is possible to compute the GPS location if the drone’s altitude and camera angle are known, but unfortunately those attributes rarely are. The imprecise GPS location means teams have to spend extra time searching.

    How AI can help

    Fortunately, with humans and AI working together, search-and-rescue teams can successfully use existing systems to help narrow down and prioritize imagery for further inspection.

    In the case of flooding, human remains may be tangled among vegetation and debris. Therefore, a system could identify clumps of debris big enough to contain remains. A common search strategy is to identify the GPS locations of where flotsam has gathered, because victims may be part of these same deposits.

    A machine learning algorithm identified piles of debris large enough to contain bodies in an aerial image of a flood aftermath.
    Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue and University of Maryland

    An AI classifier could find debris commonly associated with remains, such as artificial colors and construction debris with straight lines or 90-degree corners. Responders find these signs as they systematically walk the riverbanks and flood plains, but a classifier could help prioritize areas in the first few hours and days, when there may be survivors, and later could confirm that teams didn’t miss any areas of interest as they navigated the difficult landscape on foot.

    Robin R. Murphy receives funding from the National Science Foundation. She is affiliated with the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue.

    Thomas Manzini is affiliated with the Center for Robot Assisted Search & Rescue (CRASAR), and his work is funded by the National Science Foundation’s AI Institute for Societal Decision Making (AI-SDM).

    – ref. Why drones and AI can’t quickly find missing flood victims, yet – https://theconversation.com/why-drones-and-ai-cant-quickly-find-missing-flood-victims-yet-261035

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Affordable Homes Standard set to transform housing across York and North Yorkshire

    Source: City of York

    A major milestone has been reached in the mission to provide affordable, high quality and sustainable homes across York and North Yorkshire with the launch of a new Affordable Homes Standard.

    Spearheaded by the York and North Yorkshire Housing Partnership, the Standard represents a shared commitment to ensuring that all affordable homes across the region meet a consistent, high-quality benchmark and reflect the needs of local communities, now and for generations to come.

    At its core, the Standard provides a clear framework for what good affordable housing should look like. It sets out agreed specifications covering space standards, energy efficiency, design quality, types of housing, and how homes can be adapted to people’s needs over time.

    The Standard is designed to support housing needs at all stages of life and will make affordable homes indistinguishable from those sold on the open market.

    Environmental sustainability is a central part of this. The Standard sets out how new homes should be built with high levels of insulation, low carbon heating such as heat pumps, and features to protect and enhance the natural environment, ensuring space for nature to thrive alongside people.

    Most significantly, the 23 members which make up the York and North Yorkshire Housing Partnership have all committed to only building or acquiring homes that meet the new Standard.

    The Standard has received the full support of York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith, reflecting his vision for creating healthy, thriving communities across the region. It is also supported by City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council which are partnership members.

    David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:

    We need to deliver the right homes in the right places, ensuring our next generation can stay and thrive in York and North Yorkshire. That ambition takes a big step forward with the launch of the Affordable Homes Standard.

    “This sets a consistent, high-quality benchmark as we play our part and deliver on the national target of building 1.5 million homes. 

    “It means that we build more energy efficient homes with a better quality of design, built with nature in mind. That’s good news for our environment and for residents, who will benefit from lower energy bills.

    “This underpins our commitment to create and support thriving communities and I look forward to working closely with the York and North Yorkshire Housing Partnership on delivering the homes we deserve and need.” 

    The Standard has been developed in response to growing recognition of the need for more consistent standards and a more community-focused approach to the delivery of homes secured through Section 106 agreements – an essential tool for providing affordable housing through the planning process.

    While these homes help boost affordable housing supply, the partnership is clear that quality and long-term suitability must go hand in hand with quantity.

    Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:

    This new Standard which we proudly support, echoes our commitment to improving the quality and supply of affordable homes in the city.

    “We are providing great quality homes through our own Housing Delivery Programme and we welcome this approach to ensure that all affordable homes developed in the city in future years will be spacious, healthy and environmentally friendly.”

    Councillor Simon Myers, Executive Member for Housing at North Yorkshire Council, added:

    This new standard sets out exactly what the people of North Yorkshire should be able to expect from affordable homes and makes an important contribution to improving their quality of life.

    “It reflects our commitment as a landlord to improve our own homes and raises the bar for our partners and others in the sector to do the same.”

    Nick Atkin, Chair of the York and North Yorkshire Housing Partnership, said:

    This new Standard is a big step forward in making sure affordable housing across our region is built to a consistently high standard. It’s about creating homes that people can be proud of, well designed, energy efficient, and built to meet the needs of local communities now and in the future.

    “By working together across the region, we’re setting a clear shared benchmark for what good affordable housing will look like in York and North Yorkshire.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Parade of Historical Transport took place for the first time on Sergius of Radonezh Street!

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    In September 2024, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin opened a tram line more than 860 meters long, which made it possible to organize a new tram route No. 2 “3rd Vladimirskaya Street” – “Kursky Station”.

    Maxim Liksutov noted that more than 150 units of historical equipment participated in the parade and exhibition of retro transport on July 12: 16 trams of different generations, about 80 rally crews and about 75 cars, including the Ikarus-280 bus.

    The parade and exhibition were attended by more than 140 thousand spectators

    Not only trams from different eras were presented, but also exhibits from the Moscow Transport Museum and the Museum of the Special Purpose Garage of the Federal Security Service of Russia

    Spectators were even able to see a horse-drawn tram – the predecessor of the electric tram

    The atmosphere of old Moscow was recreated by historical reenactors, and the concert program included artists from the “Music in the Metro” project, the Moscow Metro Academic Choir, and DJ Smash

    This is already the 19th tram parade. The parade was headed by a horse-drawn tram pulled by four horses. Such events are popular with Muscovites and traditionally attract a large number of spectators. On the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, further organization of even more interesting events for residents and guests of the capital continues, added Maxim Liksutov.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Construction of a new transport and logistics complex has begun in Kazakhstan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ALMATY, July 16 (Xinhua) — Construction of a new transport and logistics complex (TLC) “Tobyl” has begun in the northern Kazakh city of Kostanay, the press service of the Kazakh Prime Minister reported on Wednesday.

    The area of the logistics complex will be 133.6 hectares, the total investment volume will be 64 billion tenge /about 121.3 million US dollars/.

    The design capacity of the TLC “Tobyl” will be up to 400 thousand TEU (twenty-foot container equivalent) per year, or over 11 million tons of cargo.

    The complex will be integrated into international transport corridors linking China, Central Asia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Europe.

    An increase in cargo turnover is expected on the Northern Kazakhstan – Southern Urals route and in the direction of China.

    Completion of construction of the TLC “Tobyl” is planned for 2027. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –